Syria has formally responded to a US list of conditions for partial sanctions relief, claiming it has met most demands while indicating that some issues require further negotiation, according to a letter seen by Reuters. The response marks a rare direct exchange between the two countries, as Syria struggles to revive an economy devastated by 14 years of war and international isolation.
Progress but Need to Develop ‘Mutual Understandings’
The four-page letter, sent to Washington on April 14, outlines steps Damascus claims to have taken, including setting up a liaison office to help locate missing US journalist Austin Tice and enhancing cooperation with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani also publicly highlighted these efforts during his first address to the United Nations Security Council.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed receipt of the Syrian letter, telling Reuters the US was “evaluating the response” but reiterated that Washington “does not recognize any entity as the government of Syria,” and that normalization depends on actions by interim authorities.
Foreign Fighters and Counterterrorism
While Syria acknowledged progress on five of the eight US conditions, the letter provided limited assurances on key American demands such as removing “foreign fighters” from Syrian forces and granting US forces unilateral authority to conduct counterterrorism operations.
Syrian officials noted that promotions of foreign nationals to military ranks had been suspended but did not confirm the removal of those already appointed. They also suggested broader talks were necessary to resolve concerns about foreign fighters, an issue Damascus reportedly views sensitively given the role of non-Syrian combatants during the civil war.
Regarding US counterterrorism strikes, Damascus said “mutual understandings” would be needed, stopping short of granting explicit permission. Instead, Syria pledged to pursue legal measures to curb extremist threats without elaborating on specific steps.
Pledges to Prevent Threats to Israel and Expand Cooperation
In a notable commitment, Syria promised it would not allow its territory to become a launchpad for threats against other nations, including Israel. The letter detailed new monitoring efforts over Palestinian militant factions, citing the formation of a committee to oversee their activities.
Additionally, Syria revealed ongoing direct communication with US officials in Amman regarding the fight against ISIS, a channel of cooperation not previously disclosed publicly. Syrian officials expressed hope that their actions would lead to broader talks on reopening embassies and lifting economic sanctions.
It remains unclear whether the US has formally replied to Syria’s letter. Shaibani is expected to discuss the letter’s content further with American officials during his visit to New York.
